Chris Olave’s NFL career so far has been a mix of highs and lows despite his solid on-field performance. Through three seasons, the wide receiver has dealt with multiple injuries, most notably concussions, which have limited his production. That was especially true in 2024, when he played in just eight games.
While the receiver was healthy through the offseason and looked good in practice, he hit a bump right before the New Orleans Saints’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave injured his ankle during Thursday’s practice and is now expected to miss Sunday’s preseason opener.
How Long Will Chris Olave Be Out?
Concussions have become a recurring issue during each of Olave’s three NFL seasons, but he is suffering from an ankle issue this time. The receiver tweaked his ankle on Thursday, and while he returned to practice shortly after getting taped up, the Saints are being extra cautious with his recovery.
According to NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, Olave’s injury is “insignificant” and the team views his status as “day to day.”
However, given Olave’s injury history, it’s understandable why the Saints are being extra cautious. He suffered a concussion in Week 6 of 2022, Week 13 of 2023, and twice more in Weeks 7 and 10 of 2024. He also missed Week 16 last year due to a head injury and missed the rest of the season.
Olave’s presence is seen as vital for building chemistry with whoever takes over under center following Derek Carr’s retirement, but availability still remains a key issue. The Saints are starting Spencer Rattler in the preseason opener against the Chargers, and his presence would have provided a valuable opportunity for the rookie to develop timing and rapport with the team’s top receiver.
Chris Olave got some of the best hands in the league 👀 pic.twitter.com/qWVqEOHV7T
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) August 10, 2025
In his absence, the Saints are expected to field Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson to work with Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks. Shaheed has been making a case to be the Saints’ WR1 through the offseason, having added muscle and expanded his route tree.
He has also built good chemistry with Rattler and caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from him in the first drive of the scrimmage.
Both Olave and Shaheed are in their contract years, and if both of them have a good season, they could be up for a big payday. However, Olave’s injury history would be the main concern for the Saints, and unless he plays a full season, which he hasn’t yet in his three years, he will likely be on his way out.
